Gravel Calculator
Short answer: a 10 × 12 ft area at 4 inches deep needs 1.48 cubic yards — about 2 tons of gravel. Pick your material and measurements below.
Calculate your material
How the calculation works
Volume = length × width × depth ÷ 12 (cubic feet), then ÷ 27 for cubic yards. Weight = cubic yards × the material's typical weight per cubic yard, then converted to tons (2,000 lb per ton).
Worked example: 10 × 12 ft at 4 in deep = 40 cu ft = 1.48 cubic yards. With 10% allowance: 1.63 cubic yards, about 4,400 lb (2.20 tons) of gravel.
Typical weights per cubic yard
| Material | Weight |
|---|---|
| Gravel / crushed stone | about 2,700 lb |
| Sand (dry) | about 2,700 lb |
| Topsoil | about 2,000 lb |
| Mulch | 400–800 lb |
| Asphalt | about 3,915 lb |
Typical values only — wet sand and wet soil weigh more.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
It depends on area and depth: a 10 × 12 ft area at 4 inches needs 1.48 cubic yards, about 2 tons of gravel before the compaction allowance.
How do you calculate gravel in cubic yards?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) for cubic feet, then divide by 27. Add about 10% for compaction.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
About 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) for typical dry gravel, varying with stone size and moisture.